Gordon D. Soenksen, Senior Consulting Associate

Gordon is a seasoned higher education advancement executive. Since 1974 he has worked with leading independent colleges and private universities in building advancement programs and planning and managing major campaigns.

Most recently he has served as Associate Vice President for Principal Gifts at Wake Forest University where he was a leading member of the planning team for Wake Forest’s $1 billion capital campaign and led strategies and solicitations for prospects in the $10+ million range. Previously he was Associate Dean for Advancement at the Wake Forest School of Business.

Gordon’s other leadership posts include Vice President for Advancement at St. Olaf College and Vice President for Advancement at Guilford College.

He served as Associate Dean for External Affairs at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business 1984-1992 and then as Associate Dean for Development and Alumni Relations 2004-2009. He led the School’s fundraising and advancement strategies both nationally and internationally, working in 17 countries identifying and opening new markets for the Fuqua’s programs.

Gordon has chaired the boards of Hospice for the Carolinas, Leadership Greensboro and United Way of Northfield, MN. He has also served on the boards of National Hospice Foundation, Hospice at Greensboro and Hospice of Minnesota. In Greensboro he has served on the boards of Family Life Council and the Eastern Music Festival.

Gordon’s BA is from Wartburg College, summa cum laude; he holds an MBA from the University of Chicago.

BB Insight No. 14:

Multinational fundraising is increasingly in the development marketplace. For a sizeable organization, it is important to work with a firm that understands cultural nuances and has an international network to help open doors.